The Best Daycare Centers in Kemblesville, PA
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Kemblesville. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Kemblesville
The Goddard School of Landenberg
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in nearby Landenberg offers a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social-emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development programs. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms with observation windows, and outdoor playgrounds designed for different age groups. All lead teachers hold degrees in early childhood education or related fields, and the center maintains low student-teacher ratios. The school emphasizes communication with parents through daily reports and a dedicated mobile app.
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Chester County Early Learning Center
Chester County Intermediate Unit
Operated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, this NAEYC-accredited center provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on developmental appropriateness. The curriculum integrates Creative Curriculum with Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, offering individualized learning plans and inclusive classrooms. The center features specialized learning centers, secure facilities with keypad entry, and comprehensive safety protocols. Staff include certified early childhood educators and specialists in special education. The program emphasizes family engagement through regular conferences, workshops, and classroom participation opportunities.
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Kiddie Academy of Hockessin
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Located just across the state line in Hockessin, Delaware, this established academy serves families in the Kemblesville area with its Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, STEM education, and literacy. The facility includes secure entry systems, age-separated playgrounds, and technology-enhanced classrooms. The program features hands-on learning activities, nutritious meal programs, and regular developmental assessments. Teachers receive ongoing professional development and many hold advanced degrees in early childhood education. The academy maintains strong parent communication through digital daily reports and regular family events.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Kemblesville, PA
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Kemblesville, PA, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Kemblesville, as part of Pennsylvania, all childcare centers and group daycare homes must be licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Family daycare homes caring for 4-6 unrelated children must be registered. Licensing ensures facilities meet strict standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications (including background checks and training), and physical environment. To verify a provider's compliance status, you can use the free, online **Pennsylvania Child Care Finder** tool or contact the OCDEL's Southeast Regional Office, which oversees Chester County. It's highly recommended to check for any recent violations or corrective action plans before enrolling your child.
How long are typical waitlists for daycare centers in and around Kemblesville, and what can I do to secure a spot?
Due to high demand and limited center-based options in the immediate Kemblesville area, waitlists can be significant, often ranging from 6 to 12 months, especially for infant and toddler rooms. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple waitlists at centers in nearby towns like Avondale, West Grove, or Oxford. Be proactive—call every 4-6 weeks to confirm your spot and express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family daycare homes, which may have shorter wait times. Many facilities in Chester County prioritize siblings of current enrollees, so plan accordingly if you have multiple children.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Kemblesville, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
The average cost for full-time, center-based childcare in the Kemblesville area (Chester County) is among the highest in Pennsylvania. For an infant, you can expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month. Toddler care typically ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 monthly. Financial assistance is available through Pennsylvania's **Child Care Works (CCW) subsidized childcare program**, which is income-based. Eligibility is determined by the Chester County Assistance Office. Additionally, some local centers may offer sibling discounts or scholarships. It's crucial to inquire about all costs upfront, including registration fees, supply fees, and policies for late pickup.
Given Kemblesville's rural setting, what are the transportation options or considerations for daycare?
Kemblesville's rural nature means most daycare centers and homes do not provide transportation. Parents are typically responsible for drop-off and pickup. This is a key factor when choosing a location; you may need to select a provider along your commute route to work in a larger town like Newark, DE, or West Chester, PA. Some larger centers in neighboring communities might offer bus service to/from local public schools for before- and after-school care, but this is rare for preschool-aged children. When touring facilities, ask about their flexibility for early drop-off or late pickup to accommodate longer commutes, as this may incur additional fees.
What types of daycare settings are most common in the Kemblesville area, and what are the pros and cons of each?
The most common options in and around Kemblesville are: 1. **Licensed Family Childcare Homes:** Often run from a provider's residence. Pros: Smaller, home-like setting, potentially more flexible hours, mixed-age groups, and often shorter waitlists. Cons: Dependent on a single provider's availability (if they are sick or on vacation, the daycare closes). 2. **Childcare Centers:** Located in nearby towns like Avondale or Oxford. Pros: More structured curriculum, multiple staff for coverage, often more extensive facilities and resources. Cons: Higher cost, longer waitlists, less schedule flexibility. 3. **Pre-K Counts Programs:** For eligible 3- and 4-year-olds, these state-funded pre-kindergarten programs are often hosted in local centers or schools. They provide high-quality education but have strict income and age eligibility requirements. Your choice will depend on your child's temperament, your schedule, and your budget. Visiting both types is essential to feel the environment.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Kemblesville: